Reveal
The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
Reveal’s investigations will inspire, infuriate and inform you. Host Al Letson and an award-winning team of reporters deliver gripping stories about caregivers, advocates for the unhoused, immigrant families, warehouse workers and formerly incarcerated people, fighting to hold the powerful accountable. The New Yorker described Reveal as “a knockout … a pleasure to listen to, even as we seethe.” A winner of multiple Peabody, duPont, Emmy and Murrow awards, Reveal is produced by the nation’s first investigative journalism nonprofit, The Center for Investigative Reporting, and PRX. From unearthing exploitative working conditions to exposing the nation’s racial disparities, there’s always more to the story. Learn more at revealnews.org/learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books
17 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 51min
40 Acres and a Lie Part 1
Nadia Hamdan, a producer for Reveal and collaborator on the investigation into 40 Acres and a Mule, delves into the heart of systemic inequality faced by Black Americans. The discussion highlights the historical injustice of land grants to formerly enslaved individuals, as well as the lingering effects of generational trauma linked to land ownership. Personal narratives reveal the emotional weight of these injustices, while reflections on lineage and reparations underscore the ongoing struggle for equity in today's society.
10 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 51min
Immigrants on the Line
A Haitian immigrant stumbles into a meatpacking plant, catalyzing a wave of job-seeking newcomers. This movement quickly faces allegations of human trafficking and exploitation. Immigrant workers confront grueling conditions, unsafe work environments, and harsh living situations, all while navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policies. Personal stories reveal emotional struggles amidst aggressive deportation practices and the urgent call for accountability. The narrative highlights the vital contributions of undocumented labor, intertwined with challenges of resilience and community support.
Jan 25, 2025 • 51min
After the Crash
Blossom Old Bull, a devoted mother from the Crow Indian Reservation, shares her heart-wrenching journey for justice after her son, Braven Glenn, died in a police chase. Samantha Michaels, a Mother Jones reporter, adds depth with her investigation into the sudden closure of the police department involved. They discuss the community's anguish, the failures of the tribal policing system, and Blossom’s relentless quest for truth amidst bureaucratic chaos. Their emotional stories highlight both personal loss and the glaring need for accountability within law enforcement.
9 snips
Jan 18, 2025 • 51min
In Fallujah, We Destroyed Parts of Ourselves
Mike Ergo, a team leader for the US Marines Alpha Company during the Battle of Fallujah, shares a harrowing yet enlightening perspective on his wartime experiences. Alongside journalist Thomas Brennan, they discuss the moral complexities and emotional aftermath of combat. They reflect on the profound grief experienced by families and veterans, highlighting their struggles with loss and the quest for healing. Their stories reveal how the horrors of war shape lasting impressions, echoing a journey of resilience and reconnection in the wake of trauma.
Jan 11, 2025 • 50min
All the President’s Pardons
Charles Duke Tanner, a former professional boxer and nonviolent drug offender, shares his compelling journey after his life sentence was commuted by President Trump. He discusses the intricate clemency process and highlights the long waits many applicants face. Tanner also reflects on the harsh realities of the war on drugs and its impact on African American communities. From his boxing triumphs to the emotional weight of incarceration, his story embodies the struggle for redemption and justice in the clemency landscape.
Jan 4, 2025 • 51min
Fortress Europe: The Fight for Refugees in Greece
Dinah Rothenberg, a reporter from ACB Stories, dives deep into the plight of refugees in Greece. She discusses the harsh realities faced by migrants, like the emotional journey of Amali and her family fleeing Afghanistan. Rothenberg highlights the alarming crackdown on human rights defenders, with activists like Tommy Olsen being targeted. The troubling environment for asylum seekers is painted vividly, revealing a stark contrast between compassion and governmental hostility, culminating in a poignant reflection on lives lost in the pursuit of safety.
Dec 28, 2024 • 51min
Take No Prisoners
Chris Harland-Dunaway, a dedicated reporter, uncovers a harrowing wartime story as he speaks with Frank Hartzell, a veteran who witnessed the massacre of unarmed German prisoners at Chenogne during World War II. Hartzell shares his chaotic experiences in battle and the chilling orders of 'take no prisoners.' The discussion dives into the moral complexities of wartime actions, addressing uncomfortable truths about accountability. Together, they highlight the emotional burdens carried by veterans and the importance of confronting these hidden narratives.
Dec 21, 2024 • 51min
A Whistleblower in New Folsom Prison
Valentino Rodriguez, a correctional officer at New Folsom Prison, navigated a toxic work environment that ultimately led to his tragic death. His promotion to an elite unit investigating prison crimes turned into a nightmare, as he faced harassment and isolation from colleagues. His father's relentless search for the truth unveils deeper systemic issues within the correctional system. Alarming statistics on officer misconduct are discussed, alongside the need for reform inspired by Norway's rehabilitation model, highlighting the toll on families affected by this troubling environment.
12 snips
Dec 14, 2024 • 51min
50 States of Mind
Shima Oliaee, a reporter and former contestant turned judge, shares her insights on the evolution of the Distinguished Young Women competition. She discusses the intense journey of contestants navigating the pressures of competition while facing the fallout from the Roe v. Wade decision. Alongside fellow contestant Amy Pham, they delve into how these young women grapple with their political beliefs and the emotional turmoil of advocating for women's rights while maintaining friendships. Their experiences highlight resilience and the impact of societal change.
30 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 51min
The Racist Hoax That Changed Boston
Adrian Walker, a Boston Globe columnist and contributor to the Murder in Boston podcast, discusses the harrowing Stuart case from 1989. He explores how a tragic shooting altered public perception and intensified racial tensions in Boston. The podcast reveals the impact of Chuck Stuart's false accusations against a Black man, shedding light on systemic biases in law enforcement and community relations. Walker emphasizes the enduring emotional scars and the ongoing struggle for justice, illustrating the deeper truths about race and crime that were often overlooked.
